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CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies finally addressed Saturday the matter of Ben Wetzler, their fifth-round pick they allegedly ratted out to the NCAA. Wetzler, Oregon State's ace, will miss 11 games, or three starts.

The word "address" here is used lightly. See the Phillies' lengthy statement below:

"The Phillies did participate in the NCAA investigation and a ruling has been issued," the statement reads. "We believe it is inappropriate to comment further on either the negotiation with the player or the action taken by the NCAA."

Read up on the main story here. In short, Wetzler used an agent in negotiations with the Phillies — something every draft pick, whether in high school or college, does. The NCAA has a rule against using an agent, but the violation goes unreported a majority of the time. The Phillies, according to a Baseball America report, snitched on Wetzler and sixth-round pick Jason Monda after the pair decided to spurn the Phillies and return to school for their senior seasons.

"I am truly glad to finally put this all behind me and get back into the trenches with my brothers," Wetzler tweeted Friday night.

The report surfaced late Wednesday, and the Phillies have declined to respond as of yet. That will change Saturday.

The NCAA cleared Monda, who plays at Washington State, last week. In a release sent late Friday, the NCAA sentenced Wetzler to miss the 11 games. Per the release:

"According to the facts of the case, which were agreed upon by the school and the NCAA, Wetzler sought help from an agent who attended meetings where Wetzler negotiated contract terms with the team."